Counting down the 25 most influential players in the Group Nine premiership was always going to cause some debate, if not controversy.

After last week's offering - the players rated 25-13 - there was some interesting feedback.

One critic was adamant Albury lock Lou Goodwin and Young captain-coach Luke Branighan were harshly treated when they were listed at 13 and 14 respectively.

"Lou Goodwin and Luke Branighan have to be top 12 at worst, probably top three for mine," was the comment on The Daily Advertiser website.

From the same source, accusations of bias against the Thunder.

"Lou Goodwin is a victim of Albury being disliked," the critic declared.

"If not the two judges (Les Muir and Stephanie Muir) must give up on rugby league, they just have no idea."

The same critic suggested Branighan should be complaining, which he didn't.

"From what I hear from rival players and coaches he's (Branighan) best in comp or very close at worst," the correspondent wrote.

Rightly or wrongly, the decision to include players on the list without any "form" in the region also caused consternation.

Last week Junee recruit Moses Manu was put up as the prime example of the danger of selecting a player on reputation alone.

Three days later Manu chucked in his deal with the Diesels, abruptly leaving the 15th spot on the list open again.

No trouble there, however.

Hot on the heels of Manu's departure was the news Kangaroos had latched on to Hayden Davis for a second straight season.

So let's scrub Manu and give destructive Davis a run at 15, although under normal circumstances he would have been in the last 12 for sure.

What a year ahead. Davis will try to out-muscle every forward in the premiership - and probably succeed nine times out 10.

The Notebook definitely can't wait for Davis to try his luck with Temora captain-coach, and redoubtable hard-man, Michael Henderson, who incidentally grabbed pole position on the "most influential" list.

Henderson's qualifications were unquestionable - 119 NRL games and some quality cameos with the Dragons in the pre-season.

Arguing against Henderson at number one will be an utter waste of breath.

Likewise, it is totally useless suggesting Glenn Dumbrell does not deserve to be at number two, while Blake Dunn is also the logical choice at number three.

Dumbrell is absolutely dynamic and Dunn is a fabulous ball-player - end of section.

Only those with blinkers, or a lethal dose of parochialism, would want to dispute the facts.

12. Matt Morris (Brothers)

Lived up to a boom reputation with his silken efforts in a trial last month. Newcomer to Group Nine, but is all quality. Might easily outshine the Brethren’s other star recruits.

11. Adam Hall (Kangaroos)

Potent playmaker, and the key to the premiership chances of the Wagga team. Has a great kicking game, and a shrewd head.

10. Grant Boyd (Cootamundra)

Blockbusting front rower with few peers in the Riverina. Capable of punching holes in any defence, and can offload with the best of them.

9. Willie Heta (Albury)

Undoubtedly the cog that keeps the Thunder wheels turning so smoothly, and successfully, in attack. Sure to relish playing alongside his new halves partner Cameron Breust.

8. Peter Little (Southcity)

Clearly the most breathtaking attacking player in the Group Nine premiership. With his speed and sublime skills he is capable of creating a try from absolutely nothing. Game-breaker.

7. Cameron Woo (Gundagai)

Works as hard, if not harder, than any player in the Group Nine competition. Makes upwards of 50 tackles a game and is always ready to carry the ball ahead. Great leader.

6. Ben Jeffery (Albury)

Arguably the most dangerous player in the competition. Can cause untold damage running the ball back - long range tries are a trademark. Strength and speed can be a lethal combination.

5. Joe Williams (Brothers)

Proven playmaker with a faultless resume. Sure to give the Brethren great value.

4. Daniel Fitzhenry (Southcity)

Masterful tactician and playmaker. When Fitzhenry fires, Southcity fires. Enough said that this is his fourth season in Group Nine and the Bulls have been a force in the previous three premiership seasons.

3. Blake Dunn (Brothers)

Outstanding ball-player with the full range of skills. When Dunn hits and spins there is always something going to happen. Should revel this year without the pressure of coaching.

2. Glenn Dumbrell (Kangaroos)

Dynamic hooker with the innate ability to crack a game wide open. Runs with relish from dummy half and serves up superb passes for the ball-runners. Sure to be a prime contender again for the Weissel Medal.

1. Michael Henderson (Temora)

No surprises here. Magnificent career in the NRL and has been devastating for the Dragons. Strength and skill will make him a huge handful for any opposition. Deserves to be #1 ... without question.